Ascent Track & Field Clinic

Location: Harvard University Athletics Campus/ Gordon Indoor Track

Join us for two days of expert track & field instruction at a state-of-the-art facility.

July 20-21 | Cambridge, Massachusetts

20+

1:12

Staff-to-athlete ratio at clinics

Olympians coached by clinic staff

400+

10+

NCAA All-Americans produced by clinic coaches

Colleges represented across 3 divisions

FeaturED COACHES

Clinic staff come from 12+ top college programs to provide track & field education to coaches and athletes of all levels. See full staff >>

MARC MANGIACOTTI

Clinic Director, Associate Head Coach

HARVARD

  • Marc Mangiacotti enters his eleventh season as an assistant coach with the Crimson in 2022-23. He oversees the men’s sprinters and hurdles for Harvard.

    In the 2021-22 season he was named the NCAA DI Men's Indoor Track & Field Northeast Region Assistant Coach of the Year. He coached the 4x400m relay (3:05.92) that broke the Ivy League Record, Harvard School Record, and the IC4A Meet Record. Individuals coached by Mangiacotti also broke multiple indoor records, including Greg Lapit in the 400m (46.98), Oliver Murcko in the 300m (33.67) - this is also the Slovakian National Record -, Lance Ward in the 200m (21.23), and DeMarkes Stradford tying the record in the 60m (6.73).

    In the Outdoor season he was named the NCAA DI Men's Outdoor Track & Field Northeast Region Assistant Coach of the Year. He coached Daniel Falode, only one of three rookies to qualify for the NCAA Championships in Eugene, OR and a 4x100m relay (40.28) that broke the School Record.

    Mangiacotti came to Harvard after a two-year tenure at Brown where he coached five Ivy League champions that combined for nine league titles. He also coached 15 athletes who earned All-Ivy League credentials and saw his group break four school records.

    His time at Brown came on the heels of a highly successful stint at Wheaton College. In six years working with the Lyons, Mangiacotti’s athletes won eight NCAA national championships and earned 53 All-America accolades. His athletes also set 31 school record performances in sprints, hurdles, and relay events, and he was named the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCA) Division III national and regional women’s assistant coach of the year.

JASON SARETSKY

Director of Track & Field/XC

HARVARD

  • Jason Saretsky is in his 18th year at the helm of the men's and women's track and field and cross country programs at Harvard.

    As just the 10th person to serve as head coach of the track and field program since Harvard began formal competition in 1874, Saretsky has mentored 64 NCAA qualifiers, 181 NCAA regional qualifiers, coached nine individual ECAC/IC4A title winners, 164 Heptagonal champions, 5 NCAA Champions, 2 Olympians, and guided athletes to countless school records, with more than 275 marks added to the program’s top-10 list.

    Saretsky has been named USTFCCCA Northeast Regional Coach of the Year 13 times, and assistant coaches have won USTFCCCA Northeast Assistant Coach of the Year 16 times during his tenure at Harvard. Saretsky most recently coached the Crimson men's and women's teams to their first-ever combined titles at the Ivy League Outdoor Track and Field Championship, and their teams had respective finishes of 9th (women) and 11th (men) at the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships. The women's team also completed the triple crown, winning Ivy League (Heps) cross country, indoor and outdoor track and field titles. The Harvard teams produced a program record three NCAA Champions and 16 All-Americans throughout the 2022-23 season.

BOO SCHEXNAYDER

Featured Speaker

SAC SPEED

  • With over 40 years of experience in coaching and consulting, Boo Shexnayder is regarded as one of the world’s premier field event coaches. He was the mastermind behind 26 NCAA Champions during his collegiate coaching career and is regarded as one of the greatest field event coaches in NCAA history. He has been a part of 13 NCAA Championship teams and a pair of Juco National titles, as well as developing a host of conference champions and All-Americans.

    Schexnayder has also been a prominent figure on the international scene. He has coached 18 Olympians and 7 Olympic/World Championship medalists. He has served on coaching staffs for Team USA to the 2003 Pan Am Games in Santo Domingo, the 2006 World Junior Championships in Beijing, and was the Jumps Coach for Team USA at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

    Schexnayder has been just as successful off the track. He is certified at Level I, II and III, and owns the prestigious Master Coach Designation from USA Track and Field. He is also certified by the NSCA as a Strength and Conditioning coach.

    Schexnayder has been heavily involved in Coaching Education. He formerly served as national chair of USATF’s Coaching Education Committee, Jumps Subcommittee chair, and chair of the Biomechanics subcommittee. Schexnayder was the founder of the Track and Field Academy, the educational branch of the US Track and Field and Cross Country Association. He served as program director from its inception in 2009 through 2017, and still serves as an instructor in biomechanics, training design, and event-specific courses.

TRAIN WITH COACHES FROM THESE PROGRAMS AND MORE…

  • Virginia Tech

  • Northeastern

  • UMass-Lowell

  • Harvard

  • Princeton

  • Penn

  • UConn

  • Tufts

  • URI

  • Southern Maine

  • Stonehill

  • And more!

  • Davidson

  • NYU

  • Amherst

What to expect

Spend 2 days learning from some of the best minds in the sport.

TRAIN WITH WORLD-CLASS COACHES IN EVERY EVENT

With experience coaching high school, college, and professional track & field, clinic staff have found success at every level. Collectively they’ve coached over 400 NCAA All-Americans and 20 Olympians. Through 12 total hours of training instruction, you’ll learn the skills you need to take your performance to the next level – no matter your event.

LEARN THE CONCEPTS BEHIND ELITE PERFORMANCE

In addition to training, you’ll learn the building blocks of elite performance. From periodization to acceleration mechanics, we’ll break down concepts that will help you improve even after you leave the Ascent Track and Field Clinic. Not only that, but we’ll send you home with a link to download training programs you learned at the clinic.

EXPAND YOUR NETWORK AND STAY CONNECTED

Ascent Track Clinics are open to any and all entrants – athletes and coaches of all skill levels, and even passionate fans of the sport.

Come meet your peers and college coaches from all over the country, and forge relationships in the track & field community that can last a lifetime.

TRAIN AT A STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITY

Every year, Gordon Indoor Track draws athletes from all over the country to its six-lane banked oval designed on the principles of biomechanics. Its springy surface has both reduced injury and propelled athletes to world-class marks.

Nearby, the state-of-the-art McCurdy Outdoor Track offers eight lanes protected by a windscreen, double runways for long and triple jump, throwing circles, a javelin runway, a multi-directional high jump apron, and a reversible pole vault runway.

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN PROVEN CURRICULUM

Coaching attendees get access to “coaches only” classroom sessions led by renowned coaches like Boo Shexnayder, Marc Mangiacotti, Jason Saretsky, and Kebba Tolbert.

When you’re not in the classroom, observe real-life applications of proven training strategies as staff critique and empower athletes throughout the clinic.

Save your spot:

STAFF COACHES

Please note that the below coaching staff is scheduled to participate at the Ascent Track & Field Clinic located at Harvard University; however, staffing may be subject to change without prior notice.

MARC MANGIACOTTI

Clinic Director/Associate Head Coach

HARVARD UNIVERSITY

Sprints/Hurdles/ Jumps

  • Akanno joins the Penn staff after spending the last six years at his alma mater, the University of Connecticut, the first five as an assistant coach and last year as an assistant director.

    Akanno had countless career highlights with UConn that included coaching two NCAA All-Americans, 34 NCAA qualifiers, a Southeast Asian Games champion, a Philippines national record holder, and the fastest 4x100 relay run by a New England school. He has helped the Huskies to 15 school records, eight American Athletic Conference (AAC) championships, 120 all-conference selections, and an AAC team championship in 2015 when he was included among the Coaching Staff of the Year.

    Akanno also has experience within the Ivy League, spending four years at Dartmouth College before his return to UConn. Working with the Big Green's jumps and multi-event programs, he coached an NCAA All-American, 12 NCAA qualifiers and 14 Ivy Heptagonal champions including Janae Dunchak who won four straight pentathlon championships. Overall, Akanno guided student-athletes to 24 school records and 46 All-Ivy selections.

BOO SCHEXNAYDER

Featured Speaker

SAC SPEED

Sprints/ Hurdles/ Jumps/ Throws

  • With over 40 years of experience in coaching and consulting, Boo Shexnayder is regarded as one of the world’s premier field event coaches. He was the mastermind behind 26 NCAA Champions during his collegiate coaching career and is regarded as one of the greatest field event coaches in NCAA history. He has been a part of 13 NCAA Championship teams and a pair of Juco National titles, as well as developing a host of conference champions and All-Americans.

    Schexnayder has also been a prominent figure on the international scene. He has coached 18 Olympians and 7 Olympic/World Championship medalists. He has served on coaching staffs for Team USA to the 2003 Pan Am Games in Santo Domingo, the 2006 World Junior Championships in Beijing, and was the Jumps Coach for Team USA at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

    Schexnayder has been just as successful off the track. He is certified at Level I, II and III, and owns the prestigious Master Coach Designation from USA Track and Field. He is also certified by the NSCA as a Strength and Conditioning coach.

    Schexnayder has been heavily involved in Coaching Education. He formerly served as national chair of USATF’s Coaching Education Committee, Jumps Subcommittee chair, and chair of the Biomechanics subcommittee. Schexnayder was the founder of the Track and Field Academy, the educational branch of the US Track and Field and Cross Country Association. He served as program director from its inception in 2009 through 2017, and still serves as an instructor in biomechanics, training design, and event-specific courses.

JASON SARETSKY

Director of Track & Field/XC

HARVARD UNIVERSITY

Distance

  • Brenner Abbott is in his 12th season with the Crimson in 2022-23 and continues to lead the Harvard pole vaulters, high jumpers and decathletes.

    In 2019-20, Abbott guided first-years Chet Ellis and Sam Wright into the Harvard record books. Ellis finished second in the high jump at Indoor Heps, moving into eighth all-time at Harvard, while Wright moved into fifth all-time in the pole vault.

    Abbott continued to guide the Crimson athletes to success in the 2018-19 season. He helped junior Donagh Mahon to the Indoor Ivy League Heps Championship title in the high jump while coaching junior Erick Duffy to USTFCCCA All-America Honorable Mention status in the outdoor season in the pole vault.

    In 2016-17, freshman Zoe Hughes became Harvard's first Heps champion in the women's pentathlon since 2009, recording the second most points in school history (4,093). Hughes qualified for the NCAA Indoor Championships, earning All-America honors and becoming the second student-athlete in program history to represent Harvard in the pentathlon at NCAA Indoors.

    In the 2013-14 season, the team combined to send a record number of athletes to both the NCAA Championships (7) and the NCAA East Regional (28). The women won both the indoor and outdoor Ivy League Heptagonal Championships for the second time in program history.

    In his first year with Harvard, Abbott helped the men's outdoor squad record its best finish in a decade at the Heptagonal Championships (3rd), while coaching pole vaulter Nico Weiler to the indoor and outdoor school records and first-team All-America honors, and Allie Pace to the women's indoor and outdoor school record.

TRENT BALTZELL

Men’s Head Coach

UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND

Hurdles/Jumps

  • Since taking over the program in 2021, Trent Baltzell has steered the Rams to four consecutive Atlantic 10 Track & Field titles, three New England Track & Field Championships, and a recent New England Cross Country Championship. With Baltzell at the helm, 14 individuals claimed Atlantic 10 titles, and the team saw consistent NCAA Regional qualifiers, including Lucas Frost's notable advancement to the NCAA Outdoor Championship Final in javelin.

    Recognized as the Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year for consecutive seasons in 2022 and 2023, Baltzell, a former standout athlete and assistant coach for URI, succeeded the legendary John Copeland after his 39-year tenure. Under Baltzell's guidance, Rhode Island secured an Atlantic 10 indoor title in 2020 and an outdoor title in 2021, alongside a New England Outdoor title.

    Prior to his role at URI, Baltzell served as head coach for Division II Assumption University, where he earned recognition as the 2019 Division II Northeast Cross Country Coach of the Year. A decorated athlete himself, Baltzell remains Rhode Island's all-time decathlon record holder, boasting five individual A-10 titles and contributing to multiple team championships during his collegiate career.

SCOTT CODY

Head Coach

B.A.A. RUNNING CLUB / CAMBRIDGE R&l

Distance

  • Scott Cody brings over 25 years of coaching experience garnered at Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School, the Cambridge Running Club, and the B.A.A., where he is currently the Head Coach of the B.A.A. Running Club. Cody has garned numerous Massachusetts Coach of the Year Awards and this past season cross country season guided Cambridge Rindge and Latin’s Aoife Shovlin to a Footlocker Finalist spot.

    A Providence College alum, Cody's leadership extends from his own impressive athletic career as a two-time captain and all-Big East selection. His accolades include a Massachusetts State Championship at Cambridge Rindge and Latin, along with USATF-NE titles in the 5k, 10-mile, and half marathon events. Cody's personal bests include a mile time of 4:04, a 3000m time of 8:06, a 5000m time of 14:01, a 5-Mile time of 23:52, and a half-marathon time of 1:06:48.

MIKE DELGADO

Head Coach

STONEHILL COLLEGE

Hurdles/Jumps/Throws

  • Michael Delgado rejoined Stonehill Athletics in August 2018 as the assistant coach for men’s and women’s cross country and track & field. In 2021, he assumed the role of Head Track and Field Coach at Stonehill College, with a primary focus on throws, hurdles, and horizontal jumps.

    Having spent a decade as an assistant track & field coach at Boston University, Delgado boasts a wealth of coaching experience. Notably, he coached Jason Biesma to break the Terrier's heptathlon record at the Patriot League Indoor Championships. Delgado's dedication and contributions were recognized by BU when he received the inaugural Terrier Staff Award in 2012 for his exceptional commitment. During his tenure, he guided athletes like Allison Barwise to multiple All-America selections and qualification for the U.S. Olympic Trials.

    As part of Robyne Johnson's coaching staff at BU, Delgado played a pivotal role in achieving significant milestones, including Women's Coaching Staff of the Year at the America East Indoor Championship twice. His coaching prowess led to numerous championships, regional qualifiers, and NCAA Championship appearances.

    Prior to his time at BU, Delgado spent two years with the Skyhawks, where he trained Stonehill's first All-American in a non-distance event, Torrey Price, who achieved sixth place in the 60-meter dash at the 2007 NCAA Division II Indoor Track & Field Championship.

    Delgado's own athletic background includes captaining the University of Connecticut's men's track & field team, where he secured New England Championships in the 55-meter hurdles and heptathlon. A Bridgewater native, Delgado continues to contribute to the track & field community as a member of the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA), currently residing in Hull.

MATT STUCK

Men’s Director of Track & Field/XC

DAVIDSON COLLEGE

Hurdles/Jumps/Throws

  • Matt Stuck was promoted to Director of Men’s Cross Country and Track & Field at Davidson College in July of 2023.

    Stuck joined Davidson in October of 2021 where served as the assistant coach for two seasons. In his tenure, Stuck has guided and coached Davidson’s hurdlers, vertical jumpers, throwers, and multis. He also served as the recruiting coordinator for all event groups on the women’s side while also recruiting the men’s hurdlers, vertical jumpers, throwers, and multis.

    Over the last two seasons with Stuck on staff, Davidson has set ten indoor and outdoor school records in his area of emphasis on the women’s side and eight school records on the men’s side. Stuck has also helped coach four-time A-10 Champion Jayden Smith, two-time NCAA qualifier Bryce Anthony, and school record holders Megan Burkholder, Hannah Kanjian, Anna Davis, and Jack Stajos.

    Prior to Davidson, Stuck spent three seasons as the Associate Head Coach at UNC Pembroke. While with the Braves, Stuck led the 2019 men's cross country team to a conference championship, and he also helped guide the women's indoor track and field team to back-to-back conference championships in 2020 and 2021. He also coached NCAA Division II All-Americans in the indoor and outdoor men's high jump, 60m, and 110m hurdles. Stuck also coached a slew of individual conference champions and school record holders while at UNC Pembroke.

    Before his time at Pembroke, Stuck served as the Assistant Track and Field Coach at Coker University where he coached 13 school record holders in sprints, hurdles, and jumps.

    Prior to Coker, Stuck had a two-year stint as the Head Cross Country and Track & Field coach at Lake Erie College from 2016-2018. In 2017, he was the runner-up for the GLIAC Outdoor Assistant Coach of the Year.

    As a student-athlete, Stuck was a multi-event performer for Bloomsburg University. He excelled in 16 different disciplines, qualified for the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Championships in four straight seasons, and still holds school records in both the indoor and outdoor pole vault. He was also named a Bloomsburg University Scholar-Athlete.

    Stuck graduated from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania in 2013 and received his master’s degree in Kinesiology from Michigan Technological University. He also holds a USTFCCCA Level 2 Combined Event Certification and a USATF Level 1 Track and Field Certification.

ROB WHITTEN

Head Coach

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MAINE

Jumps (Pole Vault)

  • Rob Whitten commenced his tenure with the University of Southern Maine Department of Athletics in fall 2019. Elevated to Head Coach for both the men's and women's cross country and track & field programs in summer 2022, Whitten embodies a collaborative work ethic aimed at sustaining the programs' tradition of excellence. Under his guidance, the nearly 90 student-athletes on these six teams are assured a consistent and outstanding experience.

    Taking over from long-time head coach George Towle, Whitten inherited a legacy of success at the conference, regional, and national levels. Since joining USM, he has led the women's team to multiple LEC Outdoor and Indoor Track & Field Championship titles, including a milestone 20th LEC trophy in 2020. Whitten's coaching prowess is evident through the achievements of athletes like Adela Kalilwa, Sophia Slovenski, and Ben Drummey, who have earned All-American honors and national titles, further cementing USM's reputation in Division III athletics.

    Whitten's dedication and leadership have garnered recognition, with his coaching staff earning the LEC Staff of the Year accolade for their exceptional performance during the 2021-22 academic year. Notably, his athletes have consistently received USTFCCCA All-Region honors and made remarkable strides at the NCAA National Championships..

    Prior to his appointment at Southern Maine, Whitten spent 11 seasons as an assistant coach with the University of Rhode Island (URI) men’s track and field program, focusing primarily on jumpers and multi-event athletes. During his time with URI, Whitten helped develop 49 Atlantic-10 champions, 102 All-New England finishes, 17 New England champions, and 35 All-East/All-IC4A selections. During the 2018 season, Whitten was chosen by his peers as the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Men’s Assistant Coach of the Year for the Northeast Region.

    Before URI, Whitten spent two seasons as an assistant coach for the University of Hartford, and also served as a graduate assistant at his alma mater, the University of New Hampshire, and was part of the Wildcats 2006 America East Outdoor Track and Field Coaching Staff of the Year.

ANDREW DUBS

Associate Head Coach

VIRGINIA TECH

Hurdles/Jumps/Throws

  • As Associate Head Coach overseeing the throwing events, Andrew Dubs brings a wealth of experience and a passion for athletic development to the Virginia Tech track and field program. With an illustrious career both as an athlete and a coach, Dubs enters his seventh season with the Hokies, continuing to elevate the program's throwing squad to new heights.

    In 2023, under Dubs' guidance, the Hokie throwers experienced unprecedented success, showcasing their prowess at both the indoor and outdoor ACC Championships. Led by Dubs, athletes like Rebecca Mammel, Sara Killinen, and Katrin Brzyszkowska achieved remarkable feats, setting records and earning All-American honors. Dubs' strategic coaching propelled the team to one of the highest point productions by a throws group in ACC history, securing team titles and individual accolades.

    Dubs' impact extends beyond conference competitions, with his athletes making waves on the national stage as well. Notably, Essence Henderson and Katrin Brzyszkowska excelled at the NCAA Championships, solidifying their positions among the nation's elite throwers. Dubs' commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a culture of excellence has consistently yielded remarkable results for the Virginia Tech program.

    Before joining Virginia Tech, Dubs honed his coaching skills at esteemed institutions such as the University of Iowa and Harvard University. His tenure at these universities saw significant achievements, including conference titles, school records, and NCAA Championship berths, showcasing his ability to develop athletes to their fullest potential.

    A former standout thrower himself, Dubs boasts an impressive collegiate career at the University of Connecticut, where he was a three-time NCAA qualifier and four-time BIG EAST champion in the Shot Put. His experience as a student-athlete informs his coaching philosophy, emphasizing holistic development and the pursuit of excellence both on and off the field.

    Dubs holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology: Coaching and Administration from UConn and a Master of Education in Higher Education and Sport Management from Auburn University. His educational background, coupled with years of coaching experience, equips him with the knowledge and expertise to mentor aspiring athletes and shape championship-caliber programs.

    As Associate Head Coach of Throwing Events, Andrew Dubs continues to leave an indelible mark on the Virginia Tech track and field program, inspiring athletes to reach new heights and achieve their dreams in the world of collegiate athletics.

ALLYSON WARUCH

Associate Head Coach

UMASS-LOWELL

Jumps (High Jump/ Pole Vault)

  • Allyson Waruch (Thomas) is in her eleventh season as associate head coach at UMass Lowell for 2023-24 academic year. Waruch was hired in 2014 after serving as an assistant coach at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) for six years. Her specialty is working with the jumpers and multi-event student-athletes.

    During her time at UMass Lowell, Waruch has coached school record holders in the men’s pole vault (Vladimir Popusoi, 16’11’’), the men’s heptathlon (Dennis Peary 4936), the women’s high jump (Kerstin Darsney 5’10.75’’), women’s triple jump (Darsney 42’2’’), women’s pentathlon (Darsney 3662) and in the women’s pole vault (Rachel Hill, 11’11.75’’).

    Popusoi, Peary, Darsney and Hill were all conference champions. Darsney also set an America East Conference record in the high jump and won Athlete-of-the-Meet and the Cushing Award (best female athlete at UMass Lowell). Popusoi was a two-time qualifier for the NCAA Regional Meet in the vault and Darsney also qualified in the triple jump.

    Peary was second in the decathlon at the New England Championship in 2017 while Darsney won the ECAC triple jump in the same year.

    Waruch has also coached multiple Top 10 performers in all of the jumps, multis, 200 and 400.

    While Waruch was at VCU, she served first as a graduate assistant while getting her master’s degree in Sports Management, then as a part time assistant prior to being elevated as a full time assistant for the newly combined men’s and women’s programs. She coached the pole vault, high jump and multis and several athletes helped rewrite the record books.

    In making the move to UMass Lowell, Waruch also returns to the America East Conference where she excelled as student-athlete at the University of Maine.

    A four-year standout member of the women's track & field team at the University of Maine, Waruch was a consistent contender in the pole vault at the America East Conference Indoor and Outdoor Championships. She finished in the top eight at the New England Indoor and Outdoor Championships in three of her six appearances.

    Waruch was outstanding in the classroom as well. She graduated cum laude with a B.S. in Kinesiology and Physical Education as well as earning her teaching certification. She was also named to the America East Conference Academic Honor Roll during all four years. In 2009, Thomas graduated summa cum laude with a M.S. in Sports Management from VCU.

    The Auburn, Maine native got her first taste of coaching during her college days when she was a youth and middle school soccer coach and as a volunteer pole vault coach at her alma matter Edward Little High School, where she coached numerous state meet contenders and a state champion.

KEBBA TOLBERT

Women’s Associate Head Coach

HARVARD UNIVERSITY

Sprints/Jumps/Hurdles

  • With a passion for developing athletes to their fullest potential, Kebba Tolbert has been instrumental in guiding Harvard's track and field program to unprecedented success.

    During the 2019-2020 indoor season, Tolbert's leadership helped propel the team to a No. 1 northeast region ranking. Under his guidance, athletes like Kelisa Cain, Katina Martin, and Mayi Hughes achieved remarkable milestones, including moving up in the Harvard record books and earning Ivy League titles. Tolbert's group contributed significantly to the team's success, accumulating an impressive 79 points at the Indoor Heps championship.

    In the 2018-2019 campaign, Tolbert's coaching prowess led to historic achievements for the squad. He mentored Simi Fajemisin to Second Team All-America status in the Indoor Triple Jump, marking a milestone as the first All-American from Harvard in the event. Tolbert's guidance also played a crucial role in Harvard's dominance at the Outdoor Ivy League Heptagonal Championships, where the women's team secured first through fifth placements in the 100m Dash, a feat unprecedented in Ivy League history.

    Tolbert's coaching excellence was recognized in 2018 when he was named USTFCCCA Northeast Region Women's Assistant Coach of the Year. Under his leadership, sprinter Gabby Thomas made history as the first Ivy League women's sprinter to win an indoor national championship in the 200m, setting a new collegiate record in the process.

    Throughout his tenure, Tolbert's athletes have consistently achieved remarkable feats, setting school records, earning All-America honors, and dominating conference championships. His commitment to excellence and passion for the sport have made him a driving force behind Harvard's track and field success.

    Prior to his time at Harvard, Tolbert honed his coaching skills at various institutions, including Iowa Wesleyan, Mckendree, Syracuse, Portland State, and UTEP. His extensive coaching experience and track record of success make him a valuable asset to any aspiring track and field athlete seeking to reach their full potential.

    As an alum of Colby College with a bachelor's degree in philosophy and a Master of Arts degree in exercise science from Smith, Tolbert brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his coaching role. His dedication to the sport and commitment to athlete development make him an invaluable mentor and leader within the track and field community.

FLETCHER BROOKS

Assistant Coach

HARVARD UNIVERSITY

Throws

  • Brooks joined the Crimson in 2023 and brings a wealth of coaching success to Harvard, having mentored 18 national champions and over 100 All-Americans. He comes to the Crimson after spending the past two years at Penn, where he served as an assistant coach of men's and women's indoor and outdoor track and field, responsible for recruiting and training the throwing squad. He coached two university and Ivy League record holders and produced the 2022 NCAA Champion in the men's outdoor javelin.

    Prior to his time in the Ivy League, he served as an Associate Head Coach of men's and women's indoor and outdoor track and field at Iowa State University from 2013-2021. During his time in the Midwest, he trained jumpers, throwers and combined event athletes and personally coached 10 school record holders, 12 conference champions, 31 All-Americans and the 2014 indoor and outdoor NCAA women's shot put champion.

    He also held positions as an Assistant Coach of men's and women's indoor and outdoor track and field at the University of Oklahoma (2012-2013), the Head Coach of women's indoor and outdoor track and field at Williams College (2008-2012) and the Head Coach of women's indoor and outdoor track and field at MIT (2005-2008). He was a three-time NCAA, New England and NESCAC coach of the year during his time at Williams College and the 2007 NEWMAC Coach of the Year during his time at MIT.

BENJAMIN CARROLL

Assistant Coach

UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND

Throws

  • Ben Carroll is in his 14th year as assistant men's track & field coach for the Rams in 2023-24.

    Carroll works primarily with the throwers. He holds his Level II United States Track and Field certification in Sports Science with a concentration in throws and is also a Certified Throws Specialist through the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).

    During his decade-plus time in Kingston the throws group has flourished, garnering 26 individual Atlantic 10 Conference Champions, 15 Team Championships, 35 All-Conference performers and two field performer of the meet winners. At the New England level Carroll has produced eight individual Champions and been a part of five team Championships (2012, 2015, 2021, 2022, 2023). In 2012 Carroll’s throwers scored more points than the second place team in the meet.

    On the bigger stage Carroll has helped coach 28 IC4A qualifiers, four Junior National Championship qualifiers and 11 NCAA Regional Championship qualifiers.

    Prior to arriving in Kingston, Carroll served as the head indoor/outdoor track coach at Stonington High School in Stonington, Conn. In just one year at Stonington, Carroll developed a program that saw 14 all-conference performers in the indoor season and a state champion in the discus and an all-state performer in the high jump during the outdoor season.

    Before his one-year stint in Stonington, Carroll was the strength, throws and assistant football coach at Westerly High School where he helped lead the boy's track team to the Rhode Island Outdoor team championship title in June 2009. Carroll was responsible for the coordination of daily strength training workouts for both throwers and members of the football team.

    Carroll is also the founder of Rhody Throws Track Club in Westerly. The Rhody Throws Track Club is an extracurricular youth club for current and recently graduated throwers who wish to throw competitively and expose their talents to a larger audience.

    Carroll is a 2006 graduate of URI with a B.A. in journalism with a concentration in broadcast journalism and a minor in political science. He is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist thru the National Strength Coaches Association and a Level II Functional Movement Screen practitioner. He lives in Westerly, R.I.

KAARON CONWRIGHT

Assistant Coach

HARVARD UNIVERSITY

Sprints/Jumps/Hurdles

  • Kaaron Conwright was an American sprinter who specialized in the 100 metres and 200 Meters. As a sprinter at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Kaaron Conwright was a 3 time all-American in the 100m from 1998-2000 where he finished 5th, 7th, and 3rd respectively.He was a 2 time all-American in the 200m placing 5th in 1998 and 7th in 1999. In the Big West Conference, he was a 4-time champion in the 100m from the years of 1996-2000 where he still holds the conference record at 10.12. He later went on to run a 10.10 at the national championships that same year at Duke University. He was also a 2-time Big West Conference champion in the 200m.

    In 1999, he ran first leg on the gold medal winning 4 × 100 m relay at the World University Games in Palma De Mallorca, Spain. He was also a finalist in the 200m in the same championships. In 2001, he made his second national team where he ran first leg on the silver medal winning 4 × 100 m relay at the World University Games in Beijing, China.

    At the 2002 IAAF World Cup, he was called to replace an injuried Tim Montgomery on the 4 x 100 relay. Together with Jon Drummond, Jason Smoots and Coby Miller, he ran third leg setting a World cup Record of 37.92. At the 2006 IAAF World Cup he lead off the 4 x 100 metres relay again, this time with Wallace Spearmon, Tyson Gay and Jason Smoots, breaking the previous championship record by setting a new record of 37.59 seconds.

    In his professional career, Kaaron competed trained with HSI under the tutelage of John Smith from 2002 to 2007. Kaaron was able to compete in two Olympic Trials Championships. 2000 and 2004. He also competed in every US National Championships from 2000-2007, making the finals in both 2003 and 2006.

    His personal best time over 100 metres is 10.05 seconds, achieved in July 2000 in Flagstaff. Although his best performance cane in the 2003 National Championships at Stanford University running a 10.16 into a -1.6 headwind. Unfortunately, while leading his semi-final heat, he pulled up 20 meters from the finish line. Although he still managed to make the finals running 10.24, he was unable to run due to injury. His personal best time over 60 metres is 6.61 seconds, achieved in March 2003 in Boston. In the 200 metres, he has 20.59 seconds, achieved in July 2002 in Rome.[1] \

    Kaaron served as Head sprint coach for the National Korean Federation for one year, 2007 through 2008, before returning home and taking an assistant coaching position with John Smith from 2009-2021. During this period, Kaaron was able to coach athletes such as Carmelita Jeter, Jason Richardson, Tyson Gay, Gil Roberts, Ryan Bailey and Michael Cherry.

    Kaaron lives in the outskirts of Boston with his wife and two kids (10 and 8).

BRIAN DOYLE

Assistant Coach

UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND

Sprints/Distance

  • Brian Doyle joined the men’s track & field and cross country staff as an assistant coach in August of 2021.

    Since joining the Rams, Doyle has been a part of four straight Atlantic 10 Track & Field Championship titles, and three New England Championship crowns. Rhody won its first New England Cross Country Championship since 1952 this fall and under Doyle's guidance, Ben Fleischer became the individual champion and earned USTFCCCA National Athlete of the Week honors.

    Doyle comes to the Rams from Davidson, where he was the associate head coach and recruiting coordinator in 2021. He spent six years with the Wildcats and was responsible for recruiting all event areas for both the men’s and women’s programs. Doyle coached the sprinters and assisted the head coach with middle- and long-distance runners.

    While at Davidson, Doyle coached athletes who set 25 combined school records in the 600, 800, 1,000, mile, 3,000, 5,000 and the 4x800. He also coached 44 more school records in the 60, 100, 200, 400, 500, 600, 4x100, 4x200 and 4x400 events. Davidson had six NCAA East Preliminary qualifiers in the 5,000 and 1,000 events during Doyle’s time.

    As a student-athlete, Doyle began his career at Northeastern, where he earned All-CAA honors in both cross country and track & field. He was voted by his teammates as the lone captain for the track & field program.

    He finished his career with two years at Providence College, also serving as a team captain for the Friars. While at PC, Doyle led the Friars to a pair of top-20 finishes at the NCAA Cross Country championship, including a 13th-place finish in 2014. He was an All-Northeast Region selection in cross country in 2013 and 2014.

ZACH HAUPT

Assistant Coach

DAVIDSON COLLEGE

Sprints/Jumps

  • An Assistant Coach at Davidson since 2021, Zach Haupt has mentored athletes to several Atlantic-10 Championships in the sprint events. In the past two years Haupt coached Josh Hardin to several conference championships and an NCAA Regional birth in the 400 meters.

    Haupt competed collegiately at McKendree College, where he was a four-time All-American selection and earned Most Valuable Field Athlete following the 1997-98 season. He also qualified for the 1996 Olympic Trials.

    His first foray into coaching was the 2000-01 season at Syracuse University in 2000 before returning to his alma mater as the Assistant Coach in 2002. After a three-year hiatus, he returned to McKendree as the Associate Men's and Women's Track & Field and Cross Country coach until 2007 before making the move to Webster University from 2008-2010.

    Haupt spent a year at Central Arkansas from 2010-2011 and left to be the Assistant coach at MIT. He spent two years as the short sprints and jumps coach as well as the strength and conditioning coordinator. While with the Engineers, Haupt coached three freshman school record holders, three conference champions and five All-Conference nominees.

    The All-American was named the head coach at Lynchburg College and stayed there for two seasons, where he was named the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Indoor and Outdoor Coach of the Year after both teams earned the ODAC title. He also coached the national champion in the 200-meter race in indoor competition as well as the Regional Athlete of the Year.

    His most recent stop was at the University of Delaware as the Assistant Track and Field coach. There he coached, 27 Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) qualifiers and three NCAA First Round Qualifiers.

TAELOR JEFFERSON

Assistant Coach

UMASS-LOWELL

Sprints

  • Taelour Murphy Jefferson re-joined the River Hawks Track and Field program as an assistant coach in October of 2020 after spending the previous three seasons at Massachusetts, where she served as an assistant coach, working with the sprints group for the Minutewomen and Minutemen.

    A double-River Hawk, Murphy Jefferson was a two-time All-American, New England champion and America East champion for the River Hawks and set six program records during her collegiate career. She was a two-time recipient of the school's Lester H. Cushing Award for best female athlete and served as team captain in 2014-15.

    After graduating UMass Lowell with a bachelor's in history in 2015, Murphy Jefferson served as the track and field director of operations for the River Hawks while earning her master's in education curriculum in 2015-2016. She went on to serve as the sprints and hurdles coach at Missouri Southern State University in 2016 where she coached the school's first Division II indoor and outdoor NCAA qualifiers.

REUBEN JONES

Assistant Coach

PRINCETON UNIVERSITY

Sprints/Jumps

  • Reuben Jones has served as an assistant coach at Princeton University since 2016. Under his guidance, the Tigers have achieved remarkable success in sprints, relays, hurdles, horizontal jumps, and pole vault events.

    Coach Jones is nationally recognized for his expertise in multi-event training theory, simplifying complex concepts on movement and enhancing athletes' speed and power. His coaching has led to numerous program records and accolades for Princeton athletes.

    Highlights of Coach Jones' tenure include guiding the Tiger women to runner-up finishes at the Ivy League Indoor and Outdoor Heptagonal Championships in 2023. His groups set 10 new Princeton records and collected multiple Ivy League titles, showcasing their prowess in various events.

    Jones has mentored athletes like Brianna Mponzi ’24, Tia Rozario ’23, Alexandra Kelly ‘26, and Georgina Scoot ’26 to unprecedented success in the horizontal jumps and sprints. His coaching has propelled Princeton athletes to All-Ivy honors and national recognition.

    Prior to Princeton, Jones made significant contributions to track & field programs at Columbia University and Brown University, where he helped athletes achieve All-Ivy honors and set school records.

    A graduate of the University of Virginia with a bachelor’s degree in sociology, Jones holds the second fastest 60 meters and 100 meters times in school history. His passion for coaching and commitment to athlete development make him a valuable asset to Princeton's track & field program.

LISA WALLIN LECLAIR

Assistant Coach

TUFTS UNIVERSITY

Throws

  • Lisa LeClair is in her 17th year as the Tufts women's throws coach, and her seventh season coaching the men's throwers. She has guided Tufts student-athletes to great success in the throwing events since joining the Tufts staff for the 2005-06 season.

    She and her husband, Jon, work together coaching Jumbo throwers and have mentored over 20 NESCAC and New England Champions, as well as numerous All-Americans in the shot put, discus, hammer throw, weight throw, and pentathlon.

    Lisa was the U.S. Track & Field Cross Country Coaches Association New England Region Assistant Coach of the Year three straight times from 2011-13. During that time, she and Jon mentored 2013 Tufts graduate Kelly Allen who was four-year All-American, the national runner-up in the discus twice and who also earned fourth-place finishes in the discus twice at the NCAA Championships. She also achieved a discus PR of 163'6" (49.85m). Ronke Oyekunle was a three-time NCAA qualifier and 2013 indoor All-American in the shot put with a career-best of 45’1" (14.74m) for the Jumbos while coached by the LeClair's. Sabienne Brutus was also a three-time national qualifier and a weight throw All-American indoors in 2013. She had PR's of 58'1" (17.70m) in the weight throw and 178'7" (54.43m) in the hammer.

    Lisa also works with Jumbo multi-event performers and helped Jana Hieber achieve a school-record 3,691 points while finishing third at the NCAA Indoor Championships in 2014.

    On the men's side, Lisa and Jon's coaching highlights include working with 2019 NESCAC shot put champion - Kevin Quisumbing - was mentored by the LeClair's. Other recent successes with both teams include Evelyn Drake winning the 2018 conference hamer throw title. Throwers Amylee Anyoha, Michael Paolian, Jennifer Sherwill, Atticus Swift and Christian Trebisacci also achieved All-NESCAC (top three) status under the LeClair's tutelage since 2016.

    Lisa was part of the Tufts women’s track & field coaching staffs that were honored as NESCAC's best for the 2021 season and in 2013. She was on the men's staffs that won this recognition in 2015 and 2016.

    A 2001 graduate of Wheaton College, Lisa was a member of the Lyons' 1999 NCAA Championship team in track & field. They were inducted into the Lyon's Yowell Hall of Fame in 2015. She also played soccer and captained the track and field team. As a heptathlete, she found most of her success in the throws, qualifying for the NCAAs in the shot put.

SELWYN MAXWELL

Assistant Coach

UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT

Sprints/Hurdles

  • As Assistant Track & Field Coach for the UConn Huskies, Selwyn brings a wealth of experience and a passion for developing young athletes.

    Selwyn's journey in track and field began at the University of Connecticut, where he distinguished himself as a two-year captain of the men's program. His leadership was pivotal in securing championship titles, including the 2013 Indoor and Outdoor Big East Championships and the 2014 Indoor and 2015 Outdoor American Athletic Conference (AAC) Championship. Throughout his collegiate career, Selwyn earned numerous accolades, including All-Big East and All-AAC honors, demonstrating his prowess on the track as a hurdler.

    Transitioning from athlete to coach, Selwyn embarked on a coaching career that took him to esteemed institutions such as Amherst College and MIT. At MIT, he played a crucial role in guiding both the men's and women's programs to multiple championships, fostering the development of NCAA All-Americans and qualifiers along the way.

    Equipped with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from UConn and a Master of Science in Sport Administration from Arkansas State University, Selwyn combines his academic knowledge with his coaching expertise to nurture the next generation of track and field stars. His commitment to continuous learning is evident through his various coaching certifications, including USATF Level I, USTFCCCA Sprint/Hurdle/Relay Specialist, USTFCCCA Strength and Conditioning, and USA Weightlifting Certification.

D.J. PETTY

Assistant Coach

AMHERST COLLEGE

Sprints/Hurdles/Jumps

  • A three-time conference champion as a collegiate hurdler, D.J. Petty joined the Amherst College coaching staff in 2022. Petty works with the sprinters and hurdlers at Amherst.

    Petty joined the Mammoths after spending two years coaching at his alma mater, Randolph College. He worked as a graduate assistant in 2020-21, aiding and coaching the sprinters, jumpers and hurdlers. Petty was promoted to assistant coach for the 2021-22 season and worked exclusively with the jump squad, designing their workout regimen and conducting practices.

    During his coaching tenure at Randolph, Petty coached athletes to second, third and fifth place finishes at the ODAC Outdoor Championships and a second-place finish in the women's high jump at the ODAC Indoor Championships. Under Petty's guidance, Randolph school records fell in the women's triple jump, women's high jump and women's long jump.

    As a student-athlete at Randolph, Petty won three ODAC championships, winning the 60m hurdles in 2018 and 2019 and the 110m hurdles in 2018. Petty became the first WildCat to compete at the NCAA Division III Indoor Championships, qualifying in both the 60m dash and 60m hurdles in 2019, and also qualified for the 2019 NCAA Division III Outdoor Championships in the 110m hurdles before the national championships were canceled his senior season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Petty holds the Randolph school records in the 60m, 60m hurdles, 100m and 200m. He was a six-time USTFCCCA All-Region selection in his career with the WildCats.

    Petty graduated from Randolph in 2020 with a bachelor's degree in sport and exercise studies and completed his M.A. in coaching and sport leadership at Randolph in 2021. Petty is a USATF Level 1 certified coach.

JOANNA THOMPSON

Assistant Coach

NEW YORK UNIVERSITY

Distance

  • Joanna Thompson was hired as Assistant Coach of the New York University Men’s and Women’s Cross Country/Track & Field teams in October 2021.

    During the 2022-23 season, both the cross country and track & field teams produced many highlights. The women’s cross country team earned a berth in the NCAA Championship for the first time since 2013. The Violets finished 26th nationally and Grace Richardson earned All-America honors with her 37th-place finish. The women produced five top-three finishes during the season, including victories at the Vassar Season Starter and the University of Rochester Yellowjacket Invitational. The men’s team was also victorious at both of those meets, with Ryan Tobin qualifying for the NCAA Championship as an individual.

    On the track, Richardson qualified for the NCAA Indoor Championships in the 5000 meters while Viv Kane was an outdoor qualifier in the 1500m. On the men’s side, Jon Diaz was the All-Atlantic Region Conference Indoor 800 Meter Champion and Aidin Hasan earned NCAA All-Niagara Region honors in the 5000m.

    In Thompson’s first season, Tobin also qualified for the NCAA Championship after finishing 14th at the NCAA Niagara Regional and earning All-Region honors.

    As a team, the men’s cross country finished fourth at the Rochester Yellowjacket Invitational, sixth at the Metropolitan Championship and seventh at the University Athletic Association (UAA) Championship.

    On the women’s side, Gabrielle Stankosh and Athina Zodl both earned All-Region honors, with Stankosh’s 17th-place finish leading the Violets at the Niagara Regional.

    On the track, the men’s squads finished sixth at both the Indoor and Outdoor UAA Championships and 10th at the Metropolitan Outdoor Championships. Individual highlights included Owen Mountford earning a bronze medal in the shot put at the Indoor UAA’s and taking silver in both the discus and shot put outdoors. Zion Glover captured the 100m at the Chester Quarry Classic, Kristian Zadlo won the same event at the Oscar Moore Invitational, and Mubeen Zainul claimed the 5,000m at the Chester Quarry Classic. Zadlo was also a winner in the pole vault indoors at the Ramapo Opener, while Tobin was victorious in the mile at the NYC DIII Invitational.

    The women’s team posted a fifth-place finish outdoors at the Ramapo College Invitational, securing victories in the 1,500m (Katherin Cheng), 400m (Isre’al Conerly) and pole vault (Nathalie Shoji). Conerly captured a pair of events at the Chester Quarry Classic (200m, 400m), while she (100m), Shoji (pole vault) and Ezri Scott (high jump) were winners at the Oscar Moore Invite. Scott was also victorious in the high jump at the NYC DIII Invitational.

    A 2015 cum laude graduate of North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology, Thompson was a three-year track & field and cross country team member and earned NCAA Division I All-America and All-ACC honors three times.

    As a senior, Thompson served as an assistant coach for the Wolfpack.

    Thompson began running for Zap Endurance in 2016, competing in over a dozen national and international races per year, including the United States ATF Championships and World Marathon majors.

    In 2021, Thompson earned her Master of Arts degree in Science Journalism from NYU. Since 2019, she has worked as a freelance writer, with her works being published in North Carolina Runner’s Journal, RunBlogRun and Scientific American.

    A native of Knoxville, TN, Thompson resides in Manhattan.

HOWARD POWELL

Assistant Coach

NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY

Sprints/Hurdles

  • Howard Powell joined the Huskies for the 2021-2022 season as Associate Head Coach. Powell previously held assistant coaching positions at Stony Brook University and Williams College.

    Coaching Career:

    Assistant Coach for Sprints, Hurdles, Jumps, Throws and Multi's at Stony Brook University (2013-2021)

    At Stony Brook, he coached 37 America East Conference champions, 38 team record holders, 54 ECAC/IC4A qualifiers and eight NCAA regional qualifiers

    During his time at Stony Brook he coached three U.S. Junior finalists and one Canadian IAAF World U20 Championship participant

    Assistant Coach for Sprints and Hurdles at Williams College (2011-2013)

    At Williams, he coached eight NCAA DIII All-Americans, 16 NCAA Championship qualifiers and five team record holders

    Athletic Career:

    Four time letterwinner at Wheaton College (2006-2010)

    Men's Track and Field Captain at Wheaton College (2008-2010)

    2010 Dean Sue Alexander Senior Athlete Award

    2010 Helene Pruszynski Leadership Award

    2008 Caroline Cutler Metcalf Leadership in Athletics Award

    2008 NCAA Indoor Track and Field All-American

    2006-2007 Division III New England Region Men's Track Athlete of the Year

    2007 NCAA Division III Championships, 110m Hurdles Finalist

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Clinic Schedule

9 AM - 4PM Daily

(EXAMPLE)

MORNING SESSION (VARIES BY EVENT)

8:15 - 9 AM - Registration

9:00 - 9:10 AM - Staff Introductions

9:10 - 9:45 AM - Active Isolated Stretching/Dynamic Warm-Ups

9:45 - 10:15 AM - Acceleration Mechanics

10:15- 11 AM - Acceleration Session

11:00 - 11:30 AM - Breaking Down the Drive Phase

11:10 - 12 PM - Max Velocity Mechanics

12:00 - 1 PM - Lunch

AFTERNOON SESSION (VARIES BY EVENT)

1-1:45 PM - All-Clinic Lecture: Approaching Track & Field from a Mental Health Perspective

1:45-2:15 PM - Strength & Conditioning: Event Specific Periodization and Proper Form

2:15 PM-3 PM - Dynamic Warm-Up #2

3:00-3:25 PM - General Strength Circuit Session

3:25- 3:45 PM - Medicine Ball Routines

3:45- 4 PM - Q & A, Recap of Day

4 PM - Depart Clinic

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frequently asked questions

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Already signed up? Visit the info hub for an extensive FAQ and announcements for attendees.

  • No. Any and all entrants are encouraged to attend.

  • Though we have access to the indoor track, the 2024 Ascent Track & Field Clinic will be run outdoors, rain or shine. In the event of thunderstorms, the clinic will be delayed until the weather clears.

  • There are many hotels in the area, but the number of attendees means space may be limited, so we suggest reserving your room as soon you can.

  • All event groups are represented. Sprints (55/60m, 100m, 200m, 300m, 400m), distance (800m, 1600m, 3200m, cross country), throws (javelin, discus, shot put), jumps (high jump, long jump, triple jump, pole vault), and hurdles (55/60h, 100/110h, 300/400ih).

  • The $25 fee partly covers the additional costs of insurance and rental of specialized gear (landing mats, poles, standards, etc).

The Ascent Track & Field Clinic rents Harvard University’s facilities, but is not owned, sponsored, or controlled by Harvard University.